Associate of Applied Science in Professional Piloting

Professional pilots need knowledge of aerodynamics, aircraft engine and system operation, aircraft operating limitations and performance, weather and atmospheric processes, as well as navigation and communication methods. This degree program prepares graduates for careers in professional flying. The FAA has authorized UAA to certify its professional piloting graduates as eligible for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with reduced aeronautical experience.

Admission Requirements

Special Considerations

The following applies for those students desiring to pursue a professional piloting degree:

Students must meet with the aviation academic advisor to obtain departmental approval to register for all flight courses. Flight training costs are not included in university tuition and fees. Flight training costs are based on hourly rates established for each aircraft type flown. Students will be provided with current hourly flight costs and program cost estimates when they meet with the department’s academic advisor.

Students must pass an FAA Class II medical examination before beginning any flight training.

U.S. citizens must present verification of U.S. citizenship before beginning any flight or airplane simulator training. The following three methods are acceptable: an unexpired U.S. passport, an original or raised seal official copy of birth certificate, or an original or raised seal official copy of Certificate of Naturalization. Non-U.S. citizens must register and receive approval from the Transportation Security Administration before beginning any flight or simulator training. Please contact the Aviation Technology Division (ATD) Office for information.

Once formally admitted to the AAS in Professional Piloting or the BS in Aviation Technology or registered for aviation classes at UAA, all subsequent required flight training must be completed in residence at UAA. Enrolled students who receive flight training outside UAA under specific curricula will not receive credit for the corresponding UAA courses.

All students are required to complete a minimum of the FAA Instrument Airplane Pilot rating and the FAA Commercial Airplane Single-engine Land Pilot certificate while in residence at UAA.

Military pilots may petition to have appropriate curriculum requirements awarded based on FAA pilot certificates held on a case-by-case basis.

It should be noted that it is possible to take several of the General Course Requirements online. However, there is a very limited selection of aviation courses taught online.

Advising

All students must meet with an ATD academic advisor prior to beginning this program of study and are encouraged to meet each semester to review their academic progress and plan future courses. It is particularly important for students to meet with their advisor whenever academic difficulties arise. Degree check sheets are available in the ATD Office, and students may also access DegreeWorks for verification of degree requirements.

See an ATD advisor for appropriate sequence of courses.

Academic Requirements

In order to progress within the AAS Professional Piloting program, students must register for a flying course within three semesters of admittance. Students who have not registered for a flying course by this time will be removed from the program.

Once enrolled in any flight training course, students are expected to complete the course requirements within 12 months from the date of registration. Failure to do so will be considered unsatisfactory progress and will result in a failing (F) grade in that registered flight course.